From 1923 to 1935, the Cotton Club was the place to see and be seen in Harlem, U.S.A. It was the meeting place for the rich and famous who were entertained by supremely talented American artists like Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Ivy Anderson, Noble Sissle, Dorothy Dandridge, Jimmy Lunceford and a host of others. The paradox was that the club was segregated -- the audience was all white and the performers were all black. It was the best and worst of America in the same place. The good part was that influential people saw and heard the art that brimmed over from the Harlem Renaissance and brought it into the mainstream.

This weekend, we were fortunate to be entertained by two artists who actually performed at the Cotton Club in its heyday. Fayard Nicholas, along with his late brother Harold were the awe-inspiring tap dancing Nicholas Brothers, star of stage and screen. Frankie Manning, choreographer for Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, is a perennial favorite in the Lindy Scene. This was a stunning weekend!

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The Weekend began with an all-star lineup at Chevy Chase Ballroom. Frankie Manning, Fayard Nicholas, Ryan and Jenny, Natalie and Yuval joined in for the fun. Doc Scanlon's Rhythm Boys, in town from Albany, provided the sounds. It was a great way to start off the weekend!

Fayard and KathleenIt's her birthday...

Frankie ManningHe led the Shim Sham after this

Ryan and Jennieand some of the crowd

Natalie and Yuvalwith Lilly and Jenny

Debra and Frankie

Angela and Arnoldin the jam

Tom and Jennyin the jam

Sequoia Restaurant, Nov 8, 2003!

The Big Event was a dinner dance on Saturday. Fayard and Frankie each gave a little talk about life at the Cotton Club. Frankie led the Shim Sham and we were treated to special arrangements by Bill Elliott. The lovely Cassie Miller joined Robin Cunningham as guest vocalist. Of course, the Tom Cunningham orchestra did its usual superlative job. All of the Lindy Community looked fantastic in their vintage formal duds. We were especially glad to see Capt. Cameron Sellers home safe and sound from serving our country in Iraq.

Fayard, Karyn and FrankHe is such a great guy!

Karyn and FrankieHe looks great!

Jeanette and FrankieHe danced with everyone!

Cassie MillerIsn't this dress a knockout?

Robin, Angela, Bill Elliott, Cameron and Cassie MillerCassie and Bill came all the way from LA

Leslie, Cameron, Gretta, DebbieCameron came all the way from Baghdad

Elise and MarkMark plays keyboards for the Fabulettes...

Emily and TommyTommy swings a big axe with Blue Sky Five

Jennifer and JonathanJon is the new president of the Art Deco Society of Washington

Beverly Weinsteinshe is just spectacular!

Ron and Bev and a friendDr. Ron is the chiropractor to the Lindy trade...

Theresa and TomColor Coordinated

Carolyn Koernershe got a well-deserved break from the kids..

Marie-Helen, Cullen, Susiewe haven't seen them in a while, welcome back!

April and JerroldDr. Jerrold is the dentist to the Lindy trade

Frank and TonyGentlemen wore evening clothes to the Cotton Club in the 1920s...